WORK by Basingstoke council to meet housing needs in the borough has earned it a nomination to become an elite "Beacon Council".

Inclusion on the shortlist, drawn up by a Government agency, indicates that the borough council's approach to delivering affordable housing puts it among the top local authorities in the country.

The announcement has been hailed as "fantastic" by the council's housing, health and homes chief.

If the status is achieved, Basingstoke council could be used as a trailblazing example to other local authorities.

During the 2004/2005 period, Basingstoke council has worked with housing associations in the borough to secure funding for 320 affordable homes - this is 70 more than the target and 117 more than in recent years.

The council says that, on top of this, it and its partners also work hard to support people through a range of schemes to help them prepare for renting a home, so that tenancy problems, and as a result homelessness, are less likely.

The shortlist was compiled by the Local Government Improvement and Development Agency.

Cllr Laura James, borough Cabinet member for housing, health and homes, said: "This is great news.

"In shortlisting, the IDeA was looking for evidence of excellence and innovation in improving services and making a difference to people's lives.

"It is fantastic that our partnership approach and shared commitment to meeting housing needs have been recognised at a national level."

Nominated authorities now progress to the next stage of the selection process.

This includes site visits and presentations during the next two months.

Successful councils will be announced in April.